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Sjogren Syndrome (cont.)

Prevention

There is no known way of preventing Sjögren syndrome.

Outlook

Most people with Sjögren syndrome have no major organ involvement and do well. For people who have related conditions as well as Sjögren syndrome, the outlook is tied more closely to the related conditions than to the Sjögren syndrome. Sjögren syndrome does, however, have potentially serious complications. They include the following:

Lymphoma: This is cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes. Some research has shown that the risk of developing lymphoma is higher in people with Sjögren syndrome than in the general population. The average time between diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome and appearance of the lymphoma is 7.5 years. The most common symptom of lymphoma is a large mass or swelling in the neck, under an arm, or in the belly or groin. Other symptoms include pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg, fatigue, unexplained fevers or night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
Infection of the parotid gland: This usually is signaled by swelling, pain and tenderness, redness, and warmth on one side of the face, typically along the jaw line.
Parotid tumors: One of the parotid glands becomes enlarged and unusually hard.
Problems in offspring: Children born to women with Sjögren syndrome have greater-than-normal risks for newborn lupus and congenital heart block.